This Content Was Last Updated on February 9, 2017 by Jessica Garbett

 

Disappointing report on accounting web today – I think its been on the BBC as well – about staff at Montpelier, a boutique tax advisory firm, being charged with fraud:

http://www.accountingweb.co.uk/article/montpelier-executives-charged-over-1m-fraud/545929

But I’m not surprised.  A few years ago we were being strongly encouraged to use their services by an accountants network, “All the smart accountants are doing this, its what clients want” – referring to complex and dubious tax schemes.  My scepticism then seems to have been proved right.

Broadly, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.  Likewise if you – or your accountant – don’t understand it, don’t do it.